Frustrated after missing out on the victory in the inaugural stage, Thor Hushovd got back into winning mood in the most beautiful environment he could dream of to promote the event he's an ambassador for. Perfectly led out by his team-mate Adam Blythe who made no mistake in the tricky final corner in Svolvær, the Norwegian won the bunch sprint and took the lead ahead of stage 1 winner Kenny van Hummel with two days to in the Arctic Race of Norway.

A sporting view

Tourist attractions

Svolvær

Svolvær is Lofoten's “capital” and an important hub for the entire region. The town is also the largest entry point for the increasing tourist traffic to Lofoten.

Svolvær was designated a seaport in 1918 and given town status from 17 May 1996. The city has approximately 4,300 inhabitants and is one of Northern Norway's most important ports for maritime services. The Svolværgeita (“Svolvær Goat”) mountain is the town's most distinctive feature and a challenge for climbers; it was climbed for the first time in 1910. Artist Gunnar Berg from Svolvær painted many scenes from Lofoten. His most famous painting, “Trollfjordslaget”, is on display in Galleri Gunnar Berg.Other galleries include Nordnorsk Kunstnersentrum, Galleri Dagfinn Bakke and Lofoten Temagalleri.Lofoten War Museum tells visitors about Lofoten's role during the Second World War. Unique ice sculptures can be experienced in the Magic Ice gallery beside the Hurtigruten quay. Svolvær offers the experiences of an exciting harbour environment, village atmosphere and artistic community simultaneously.

Welcome to Nordland, where you can experience the world's most beautiful coastline.

The coastline of Nordland and its 18,414 islands is not as inaccessible as you might think: You can reach Nordland from numerous airports, via excellent roads that run along the shoreline or over the mountains, by car ferries and express boats, and innumerable graceful bridges that blend beautifully into the landscape.

Traditional and modern coastal cultures live side by side here. The striking and fascinating history is so much part of the landscape that you can feel it all around you. Yet you can also enjoy modern life in the towns along the coast, bustling with shops and entertainment, giving you the chance to discover local art and culture.

Nordland is a place to meet our culture, formed by nature and the people who live here. It's a place of peace and harmony, yet brimming with activities. Whether you come for an active holiday or choose a slower tempo, we guarantee you experiences that you won't forget in a hurry.

Svolvær

Svolvær is Lofoten's “capital” and an important hub for the entire region. The town is also the largest entry point for the increasing tourist traffic to Lofoten.

Svolvær was designated a seaport in 1918 and given town status from 17 May 1996. The city has approximately 4,300 inhabitants and is one of Northern Norway's most important ports for maritime services. The Svolværgeita (“Svolvær Goat”) mountain is the town's most distinctive feature and a challenge for climbers; it was climbed for the first time in 1910. Artist Gunnar Berg from Svolvær painted many scenes from Lofoten. His most famous painting, “Trollfjordslaget”, is on display in Galleri Gunnar Berg.Other galleries include Nordnorsk Kunstnersentrum, Galleri Dagfinn Bakke and Lofoten Temagalleri.Lofoten War Museum tells visitors about Lofoten's role during the Second World War. Unique ice sculptures can be experienced in the Magic Ice gallery beside the Hurtigruten quay. Svolvær offers the experiences of an exciting harbour environment, village atmosphere and artistic community simultaneously.

Welcome to Nordland, where you can experience the world's most beautiful coastline.

The coastline of Nordland and its 18,414 islands is not as inaccessible as you might think: You can reach Nordland from numerous airports, via excellent roads that run along the shoreline or over the mountains, by car ferries and express boats, and innumerable graceful bridges that blend beautifully into the landscape.

Traditional and modern coastal cultures live side by side here. The striking and fascinating history is so much part of the landscape that you can feel it all around you. Yet you can also enjoy modern life in the towns along the coast, bustling with shops and entertainment, giving you the chance to discover local art and culture.

Nordland is a place to meet our culture, formed by nature and the people who live here. It's a place of peace and harmony, yet brimming with activities. Whether you come for an active holiday or choose a slower tempo, we guarantee you experiences that you won't forget in a hurry.